May 2026 - NECC News

VP Allison Dolan-Wilson Selected for the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship

May 27, 2026/in Faculty & Staff, Featured, Headline, Headlines, Press Releases/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 27, 2026) – Today, the Aspen Institute announced that Northern Essex Community College Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Workforce and Academic Innovation Allison Dolan-Wilson is one of 40 outstanding leaders from across the country for the 2026-27 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. Dolan-Wilson, who is also the Executive Director of the NECC Foundation, was chosen from a competitive pool of more than 125 applicants. The 40 fellows include executive and senior community college leaders who were chosen for their potential to enact major reforms that deliver much stronger results for students.

“Dr. Dolan-Wilson has consistently demonstrated the energy, creativity, and drive to build out programming that supports lifelong learning,” said President Lane A. Glenn. “Creativity is often exponential, and so I am eager to see Dr. Dolan-Wilson work with peers who share her energy and further develop her skills.”

Over 15 years, Aspen’s research on high-performing community colleges has consistently shown that high and improving levels of student success are much more likely when an exceptional president is leading the community college. For that reason, Aspen has been working for a decade to help prepare a new generation of transformational community college leaders through this program.

Over the coming year, these fellows will:

Deeply examine data on available jobs in their community and student outcomes at their colleges

Learn about transformational models from 15 years of Aspen Prize research into colleges with high and improving levels of student success through the Aspen Prize process

Receive coaching and feedback from accomplished college leaders, including sitting and retired presidents who have led transformational reforms

Devise a concept for major reform strategy at their institution, receiving critical feedback from peers and experts along the way

“Our research shows that excellent colleges share a common trait: they are led by presidents who focus on a few transformative initiatives that extend beyond enrollment and even completion numbers, centering instead on whether graduates are prepared for transfer and bachelor’s attainment and success in the workforce or further education,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “I cannot wait to begin working with this impressive set of leaders.”

Rising Presidents Fellows are chosen based on their commitment to improving student success and advancing economic mobility, their readiness to lead major student-success reforms, and the likelihood that they will assume a college presidency within five years of completing the program. The selected fellows come from 20 states and a wide range of institutions—from small rural colleges to large urban campuses—bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the fellowship. They join a vibrant network of over 500 peers—including over 215 sitting presidents—who are leading colleges that help more students finish college, transfer to four-year institutions, and secure good jobs.

The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Burton Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, College Futures Foundation, Mellon Foundation, and the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University.

For bios and photos of all 40 leaders, visit as.pn/risingpresidents.

wide shot of stage with NISOD Banners and two people accepting an award

NECC Among “2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges”

May 27, 2026/in Headline, Headlines, Press Releases/by mbouse

The EDU Ledger, along with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) is pleased to announce the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges (MPPWCC). With a focus on staffing practices and the work environment, the research team uses a web-based survey to examine categories such as family friendliness, salary/benefits, community engagement, and faculty/staff professional development opportunities to compile the list. Northern Essex Community College is proud to be one of the 27 institutions chosen for this designation.

“NECC is a special place to work due in large part to the innovative spirit that is allowed to thrive,” said Brooke Brown-Saracino, NECC’s assistant director of employee engagement. “The institutional support for new ideas keeps employees engaged and eager to grow. NECC is a model workplace because it intentionally fosters an environment in which employee excellence, equity, strengths-based leadership, and community impact are woven into every facet of its culture. The college embodies all four Promising Practices – recognition, community commitment, professional development, and high-quality orientation.”

The institutions selected were featured in the May 7 edition of the magazine and honored at the 48th Annual NISOD Conference: Advancing Community College Student Engagement (ACCSE), May 23-26 in Austin, Texas.

The 27 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges (in alphabetical order) are:

Bergen Community College
Brunswick Community College
Century College
Coconino Community College
College of Southern Maryland
College of Southern Nevada
Community College of Allegheny County
Community College of Aurora
Garden City Community College
GateWay Community College (Arizona)
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College
Houston City College
Hudson County Community College
Joliet Junior College
Lamar Institute of Technology
Malcolm X College
McLennan Community College
Montgomery County Community College
Northeast Lakeview College
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Northern Essex Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College
Olive-Harvey College
Southeast New Mexico College
St. Philip’s College
Tallahassee State College
Weatherford College

To learn about employment opportunities at Northern Essex, visit the webpage.

John Ryan stands next to his research poster

Honors Students Present at Two State Conferences

May 27, 2026/in Headline, Featured, Headlines, Programs/by mbouse

Ten students in NECC’s Honors Seminar class recently presented at two state conferences, the UMass Lowell Research Symposium and UMass Amherst’s Undergraduate Research Conference. The seminar theme was “You Do You” where students chose their own interdisciplinary research topics, which ranged from “Understanding Journalism for Incarcerated Writers,” to “Why Did the Blue-Zone Okinawa become Obese, and What Can Massachusetts Learn from It?” to “The Economic Contributions of Brazilian Immigrants in Everett, MA.”

At UMass Lowell, Nasrin Musa presented on “Exercising Your Way to Learning a Second Language.” Because the class was online, the UCR was the first time students had a chance to meet each other in person and share their research along with over 1000 other students from across the state. Other URC topics included Art Therapy, Fast-Food Advertising, Adolescent Online Gambling, Introverts in the Workforce, Yoga for Teenagers, and Hypothyroidism.

“The Commonwealth Honors Program offers motivated students the opportunity to attend seminar-style classes, do independent research, and present their work at the college and at other conferences,” says Honors Coordinator and Honors Seminar professor Ginger Hurajt.

Honors students are required to maintain a 3.2 GPA or higher, and those who transfer to a Massachusetts state university or UMass school are guaranteed acceptance to that college’s Honors Program. More information can be found on the webpage.

John Ryan

Keiola Geraigery

Mallory Sweeney and Liz Dobson

Students (L to R) Nicole Ryan, Keiola Griegory, Amy Adams, John Ryan, Drew Gerst, Jonas Tejada

KNights team stands in black uniforms with black hats holding tournament trophy

Knights Finish Fourth in College World Series

May 27, 2026/in Uncategorized, Featured, Press Releases, Students/by mbouse

Johnson City, TN (May 26, 2026) – The sixth-seeded Northern Essex Community College baseball team saw its magical World Series run come to a close on Tuesday afternoon as it fell to second-seeded and reigning national champion RCSJ Gloucester by a 16-2 final score in the semi-finals to finish as the fourth-place team in the tournament.

Knights with the Region 21 Championship trophy

The Knights conclude the season with a 33-10 overall record, and 2026 marks their fourth all-time top-four finish in the World Series.

NECC jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on a two-run home run from Jack Aylward (Lowell) as he went to the opposite field and skied the ball over the 20-foot fence in right field for his second home run of the tournament. Owen Derocher (Berkley) led off the inning with a triple to the gap in right-center field.

The lead was short-lived for the Knights as Gloucester tied the game up in the top half of the third inning with a home run of their own, before erupting for 10 runs in the fourth inning off a trio of pitchers. The James Madison University-bound Jack Kelleher (Haverhill) took the ball to start the game on short rest and went 3.2 innings to cap his NECC career, allowing six earned runs while striking out two.

Previous top four finishes for the Knights at the World Series came in 2012, 2016 and 2023 as the 2026 season marked the program’s 12^th all-time World Series appearance.

Honors for Players and Coach

Prior to the World Series, nine NECC Knights players were selected to the All-Region 21 Teams as voted on by the league’s head coaches. The selections were highlighted by Region 21 Player of the Year David Castillo (Boston) at shortstop and Pitcher of the Year Kelleher, among seven first-team selections for the Knights. Head coach Jeff Mejia was named regional coach of the year for a fifth consecutive season.

Learn more about athletics at NECC by visiting the website.

Photos: Students Honored at 2026 Awards Convocation

May 20, 2026/in Featured, Stories, Students & Alumni/by mbouse

Graduating Northern Essex Community College students were honored for their achievements inside and outside the classroom at this year’s annual Awards Convocation. The May 12th ceremony was held in the Northern Essex Sport and Fitness Center on the Haverhill Campus. Family and friends were invited to celebrate the honorees and enjoy refreshments following the program.

Co-Curricular Awards included the President’s Cup, which is awarded to the club with the highest cumulative grade point average. This year, that honor went to the American Sign Language Club. Academic Awards included the 2026 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow, awarded to Kisleiny Abreu. And extracurricular awards included the PACE Program Award, which went to Yulissa Arias.

Dozens of Northern Essex students were also recognized for achieving high honors in their areas of study. The program then concluded with departmental awards and acknowledgment of honor society inductees. Photos from the Awards Convocation can be found here.

two young men, dressed in shirts and ties with a quarter zip smile at the camera

Recognition for NECC Early College Students

May 19, 2026/in Headlines, Programs, Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 14, 2026) — Northern Essex Community College recognized more than 400 graduating seniors from 20 local high schools who earned college credits through the Early College Program.

The students and their families celebrated at the annual Early College Recognition Ceremony on May 14, held on Northern Essex’s Haverhill Campus.

The students earned a total of 6584 credits while in high school, an average of 15 credits each, which translates to a full college semester. Three students completed associate degrees. The students will transfer their credits to 50 public and private colleges. At least 105 have plans to attend Northern Essex.

“You took a risk, you challenged yourselves, and simply put, you worked hard,” said NECC Associate Dean of PK12 Partnerships Aaron Altman. “Maybe someone pushed you to join or even helped you complete that initial first step. But you were the ones who did the hard work day in and day out and are deserving of being here. Being here is a testament to who you are as individuals, and you should be proud of yourselves.”

Whitter Regional Vocational Technical High School senior Niruis Ramirez Laguard plans to study engineering and shared how participating in Early College prepared her for her future:

Early College Student Speakers Niruis Ramirez Laguard and Adrian Angeloni of Whittier Tech

“Being a part of the program gave me a real look into what college life is like. I learned how to manage my time, stay organized, and push through challenges. As someone who plans to pursue engineering, having this experience is so valuable. It’s reassuring to know I’m not walking into college completely unprepared. But instead, with confidence, knowing I can definitely succeed at that level.”

NECC is one of 22 colleges and universities participating in the statewide Massachusetts Early College Initiative. This initiative partners high schools with colleges and universities for designated programs. NECC has designated programs with Haverhill High School, Lawrence High School, and Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Students from these designated programs earn college credits for free while they’re still in high school. Plus, the classes count toward both students’ high school graduation requirements and their future college degrees. Students spend part of their day at the high school and travel to the college campus by bus for morning or afternoon college-level courses.

In addition to its state-designated partnerships with Haverhill, Lawrence, and Whittier, Northern Essex offers its Early College Program to students from 25 other local high schools. These students can earn credits at a 50% discount.

Northern Essex also offers the NECC Promise Scholarship Program to students from Haverhill, Lawrence, Whittier, and the Seacoast area high schools. That allows students who earn at least 15 credits and a 3.0 GPA in Early College to continue at Northern Essex for free.

The Early College Program at NECC continues to see tremendous growth since it began with just 250 students. This past semester, more than 1,000 high school students took Early College classes.

If you are interested in learning more about Early College opportunities at NECC, visit the webpage or contact pk12@necc.mass.edu.

Rebecca Heathman '26 and Alumni Board Member Marisa Carrasquillo '18

Alumni Board Announces 2026 Outstanding Graduating Student Award

May 19, 2026/in Featured, Stories, Students/by mbouse

The Northern Essex Community College Alumni Board has announced high honors graduate Rebecca Heathman as the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Graduating Student Award. This selective annual honor, granted by the Board with approval from President Lane Glenn, was presented during the spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16.

Heathman, a Billerica resident, is a General Studies: Individualized Option major and, some would say, a professional multi-tasker. Since enrolling in NECC, she has maintained a near-perfect 3.96 GPA with a full-time course load, and has done so while working 50-plus hours per week, providing care for a family member at home, writing short stories, and serving as a top rebounder on the NECC women’s basketball team. A first-generation college student and active PACE Program participant, she has been lauded by faculty and staff alike for her incredible dedication to every area of her life.

Rebecca Heathman ’26 and Alumni Board Member Marisa Carrasquillo ’18

PACE Advisor Jessica Rocker, who nominated Heathman, describes the qualities that made her a standout for this year’s Outstanding Graduating Student Award:

“Rebecca’s ability to juggle many competing responsibilities is admirable. I think she is a role model and that she embodies an outstanding NECC student,” she says.

While she will graduate as one of the top students in her cohort, Heathman notes that her academic journey wasn’t always easy or linear. Prior to attending NECC, she served in several professional roles – first as a school secretary, and later as a coach and basketball official – before settling on a future in the sports management industry.

Here on campus, Heathman got to work broadening her industry knowledge while making her mark on the Knights basketball team. Along the way, she developed a passion for another, seemingly disparate field: creative writing.

Before long, she was publishing her first short story in Parnassus, an accomplishment that, coupled with her basketball wins, is among her proudest.

“At this stage in life, I never thought I would play basketball again and I’d never been confident enough to share my writing with anyone,” she says. “NECC gave me the opportunity and encouragement to do both and that has meant everything to me.”

On being named the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Graduating Student Award, Heathman describes herself as “deeply grateful.”

“One of the best feelings is to know that your hard work has paid off,” she says. “And, for me, just making it to graduation was enough. To receive this award on top of that is more than I could have hoped for.”

Next spring, Heathman will continue her academic career at a four-year college, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in creative writing while gaining additional work experience in the fitness industry. It’s a step, she says, that will allow her to put both of her passions – and her award-winning knack for multi-tasking – to good use.

The annual Outstanding Graduating Student Award recognizes the accomplishments of a graduating NECC student who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to academic excellence, community services, and involvement with campus initiatives. Nominations are accepted each spring.

mckenzie stands wearing cap and gown at commencement, holds her diploma

Biology Grad Determined to Build a Better Future

May 18, 2026/in Featured, Stories/by mbouse

At the age of 23, Northern Essex Community College graduate McKenzie Bova has already faced some of life’s most difficult challenges. She lost both her parents as a teen, worked to get her siblings under one roof, and became a parent herself. But through it all, Bova found a determination to build a different future from the one she inherited.

After her parents’ deaths, college was not immediately part of the plan when she graduated from Everett High School in 2021. Though she had always been academically capable, grief and instability made it difficult to focus on school. She described graduating with “bare bones” grades and spent the next few years trying to figure out what direction her life should take.

McKenzie Bova ’26

“I tried a bunch of different things because I really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she said. “I almost joined the Army. I did a tattoo apprenticeship. I tried dog-sitting.”

Eventually, she decided to give college a chance and enrolled at Northern Essex as an education major. But after completing an internship teaching seventh-grade English, she realized her interests were pulling her somewhere else.

“I loved the kids, but I learned I preferred the lab,” she said.

Bova switched her major to biology and found not only a passion for science, but also a supportive community of professors and staff who encouraged her along the way. She connected with the PACE Program and became involved on campus as a peer tutor. However, just as she was hitting her stride, life had another curveball in store. During the fall 2023 semester, just her second full semester at NECC, Bova found out she was pregnant. She said her grades suffered as she once again tried to balance school and life. She withdrew from several classes and used that time to develop a new plan.

“I had decided to come back full swing the following semester. I redid all the same courses and excelled in them. I managed to do my finals just three days after giving birth in May 2024; I was truly determined!”

As a new mom, Bova’s drive to succeed kicked into a new gear. She completed her associate degree in biology this past fall semester and, using guidance from the PACE program, transferred to the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology.

Mckenzie holds her son as they wade in a lake

McKenzie and her son

She is also working full-time. She credits professors Kimberly Waligora and Kevin Mitchell with helping her earn her role as a laboratory analyst at Optimum Analytical in Salem, New Hampshire, where she tests bulk materials and air samples for asbestos.

“I enjoy the process of experimentation and finding end results,” she said. “I just like being in a lab.”

Today, McKenzie balances full-time studies at UML, work and motherhood. She also achieved another significant milestone: moving into her first apartment. And she remains as determined as ever to keep moving forward.

“All my success can be boiled down to two things: the determination to give my son a better opportunity than what I had, and the wonderful skill that NECC has when it comes to creating a close-knit college experience.”

This past Saturday, Bova participated in NECC’s 64th annual Commencement Ceremony, becoming the first member of her family to earn a college degree. Looking back on her time at NECC, she shared some important advice for students who may be struggling or encounter challenges as she did:

“It’s okay to have to do things multiple times,” she said. “It’s okay if it takes longer. You’ll still get there.”

a group of graduates stand smiling with their arms in the air

Northern Essex Celebrates the Class of 2026

May 18, 2026/in Headline, Events, Featured, Headlines, Press Releases/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 16, 2026) — Northern Essex Community College is proud to celebrate the 807 members of the class of 2026. More than 400 of them gathered with their friends and family, along with Northern Essex leadership, faculty and staff, on Saturday, March 16, for the 64th annual Commencement Exercises on the Haverhill Campus.

NECC President Lane Glenn opened the ceremony with words of reflection and encouragement for the class of 2026: “You’re sitting in that seat, wearing your cap and gown today, because you saw the opportunity, you chose to put in the work, and now that opportunity has become your accomplishment,” he stated. “Walking across the stage today may represent the end of your chapter as a Northern Essex student, but it does not represent the end of being part of the Northern Essex family. As an institution, we are here for you in whatever way we can be as you seek to take your lives to the next level.”

maria stands behind a podium and microphone, her hand raised in excitement

Student Speaker Maria Cubias

Student speaker Maria Cubias is a shining example of taking an opportunity and turning it into success. She came to the United States from El Salvador as a teenager and quickly learned English. She excelled academically and as a soccer player, which earned her a scholarship to a four-year university. However, her mother got sick that same year. Cubias opted to put her dreams on hold to be with her family during that time. Sadly, her mother passed away. The family was then dealt another blow when her father died tragically a short time later.

“When you lose your parents, you lose more than people. You lose comfort. You lose guidance. You lose the voices that tell you everything will be okay,” said Cubias. “But pain has a way of teaching us who we are. And somewhere in that silence, I found strength I did not know I had. I found discipline. I found purpose. And I made a decision: I was not going to let my story end in pain. I was going to turn pain into motivation. Every class. Every late night studying. Every obstacle. Every tear. It became part of the reason I kept going. Because this degree is not just mine, it belongs to my parents, too. Even though they are no longer here physically, their love never left me.”

Cubias graduated with her associate degree in criminal justice. She plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree and fulfil her dream of becoming a crime scene investigator.

charlie baker stands behind podium and addresses the crowd

Featured Speaker Charlie Baker, former governor of Massachusetts

Featured speaker, former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, remarked that Cubais was a hard act to follow, and personally congratulated her on her success. He went on to share how his journey into the governorship and onto his current role as the President of the NCAA was marked by many setbacks. But each failure presented a new opportunity.

“The best advice I’ve ever gotten has come from people who were telling me something I didn’t want to hear,” Baker said. ” And they knew I didn’t want to hear it, but they said it anyway. Make those kinds of people part of your life, and you will be better for it.”

“If you treat people the way you would like to be treated,” he continued. “If you prove to be a reliable, dependable, steady force for good. And you listen and learn. Trust me. The rest will take care of itself.”

Following his remarks, President Glenn presented Baker with a custom NECC basketball jersey, a nod to the NJCAA national champion men’s basketball team, adorned with the number 30, which Baker wore as a collegiate athlete.

Social Justice Award

The award recognizes individuals, groups, departments, or initiatives at the college that promote values such as a commitment to equity and diversity or the advancement of human rights and social justice.

stephen russell and lane glenn pose with award. both are wearing commencement regalia

Dr. Stephen Russell, Professor of History

President Glenn honored Dr. Stephen Russell, Professor of History, with this year’s recognition.

“Dr. Russell, you have modeled what it means to integrate diverse perspectives, foster critical thinking, and create spaces where students can engage meaningfully with complex topics. Your colleagues and students alike commend you for creating spaces where differing perspectives are heard, civil discourse is practiced, and students are empowered to ask courageous questions.”

The social justice award comes with a prize of $1961 (in honor of the year of NECC’s founding) that the recipient can use to advance social justice initiatives at Northern Essex.

A recording of Saturday’s ceremony can be found on the NECC YouTube page. To learn more about NECC’s 2026 Commencement and see additional photos, visit the webpage.

NECC Knights Headed to Fifth Straight World Series

May 18, 2026/in Headlines, Press Releases/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 17, 2026) – After falling in game two of the Northeast District Tournament on Sunday, the Northern Essex Community College baseball team bounced back in a big way in the nightcap as they outslugged Monroe-Bronx to take the deciding game by a 15-7 final score. The championship victory gives the Knights a 31-8 overall record as they head into the eight-team World Series. This is the fifth straight year the team has earned a World Series spot.

Northeast District Champions

Trailing 7-5 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Knights plated nine runs in the frame and took a seven-run lead before the inning ended, deflating the sails of Monroe. The first eight runs of the inning would be scored before Monroe could record an out. Jack Aylward (Lowell), Marbel Soriano (Boston), Jaren Megan (Fairhaven) and Jake Yngber (Miami, FL) all recorded RBI hits in the inning as a pair of runs were also scored on a bases-loaded walk and a hit batsman.

The Knights fell behind early as Monroe jumped out to a 5-0 lead through one and a half innings before the Knights would claw their way back into the game with three runs in the bottom half of the second. Soriano got the Knights on the board with a two RBI triple after Owen Derocher (Berkeley) led the inning off with a triple of his own. Soriano would score from third on a balk by the pitcher.

NECC tied the game up in the third before Monroe took the lead back in the top half of the fourth. David Castillo (Boston) led off the third with a double and immediately scored when Yngber tripled to center and would eventually score on a bases-loaded walk.

With the bats coming alive, Dominic Pefine (North Andover) kept the Knights in the game as he threw 5.1 innings before Castillo came in from his shortstop position to hold the opposition hitless for the final 3.2 innings of the game.

NECC outhit Monroe 15-11, including six extra base hits compared to two for Monroe. Castillo, Yngber, Derocher and Soriano all recorded multi-hit and multi-RBI performances in the championship game, while Derocher and Brooke Keefe (Marblehead) both stayed hot with a multi-hit game.

The NJCAA World Series is scheduled to begin on May 23rd at TVA Credit Union Ballpark in Johnson City, TN. Seeding and first round matchups will be announced on Tuesday, May 19th at 5:00 p.m. live on the NJCAA Network.

VP Allison Dolan-Wilson Selected for the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship

NECC Among “2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges”

Honors Students Present at Two State Conferences

Knights Finish Fourth in College World Series

Honors for Players and Coach

Photos: Students Honored at 2026 Awards Convocation

Recognition for NECC Early College Students

Alumni Board Announces 2026 Outstanding Graduating Student Award

Biology Grad Determined to Build a Better Future

Northern Essex Celebrates the Class of 2026

Social Justice Award

NECC Knights Headed to Fifth Straight World Series

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